STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 1132-1474 DISTRIBUTION: Sparrow EMID2630 FORMAT: CD Album DISCS: 1
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Reviewed by Tony Cummings
First thing that grabs you about this set, already shaping up to be Steven's biggest seller ever and a huge US hit, is that the sequencing puts a rockier, punchier Steven on the first two thirds, and then slows way down for the final four songs. With exemplary production from Brown Bannister, the edgier Chapman is a joy to the ear, his warm impassioned vocals now treated to layers of percussive rhythm and hot guitars. It's still Stevens way with lyrics which really keep you listening and the Nashville veteran is in excellent form here with "Dive", "Fingerprints Of God" and "The Invitation" all showing the man to be at the heights of songwriting craft. The poignant song about about the loss of a Christian loved one "With Hope" is compelling though another love song to his dear wife just a tad predictable. All in all though this is a great return. Has it really been three years since his last studio project?